Optical: systems and elements – Optical modulator – Light wave temporal modulation
Patent
1996-03-15
1998-09-08
Epps, Georgia Yvonne
Optical: systems and elements
Optical modulator
Light wave temporal modulation
359275, G02F 115
Patent
active
058053301
ABSTRACT:
An electro-optic window is provided which is powered solely by at least one discrete photovoltaic cell within an electro-optic window. The electro-optic window has front and back spaced-apart glass elements sealably bonded together in a spaced-apart relationship and defining a chamber filled with an electro-optic material. The front glass element has a transparent conductive layer on the face of the front glass element confronting the rear glass element and the rear glass element has a transparent conductive layer on the face confronting the front glass element. The seal is generally disposed along the perimeter of three edges of both glass elements and some distance in from the remaining (fourth) edge. The photovoltaic assembly is electrically connected to the two transparent conductive layers and is placed on the outer perimeter along this fourth edge with the photon-absorbing side of all the photovoltaic cells within the photovoltaic assembly facing in one direction ("out" the window). When light impinges on the photovoltaic cell a current is created which darkens the electro-optic material in proportion to the amount of impinging light. By choosing the relative area of the photovoltaic assembly to produce the correct current for the electro-optically active window area, the darkening of the electro-optic portion can be directly and accurately controlled without the need for any circuit, wires or shorting resistors.
In addition, an apparatus for making an electro-optic window having two members capable of securing and holding two glass elements in a spaced-apart and parallel relationship is provided. The glass elements may be secured by vacuum-applying members or simple clips. The glass elements may be held in a spaced-apart and parallel relationship by a hydraulic mechanism or by simple spacers placed between the securing members.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5351151 (1994-09-01), Levy
patent: 5377037 (1994-12-01), Branz et al.
patent: 5384653 (1995-01-01), Benson et al.
patent: 5442478 (1995-08-01), Lampert et al.
patent: 5457564 (1995-10-01), Leventis et al.
IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin vol. 17, No. 9, Feb. 1975.
Design Goals and Challenges for a Photovoltaic-Powered Electrochromic Window Covering D. K. Benson et al. Prepared for the First International Meeting on Eletrochromism Oct. 1994, Italy. NREL/TP-452-7461.
Byker Harlan J.
Cammenga David J.
Poll David L.
Bey Dawn-Marie
Epps Georgia Yvonne
Gentex Corporation
Rees Brian J.
LandOfFree
Electro-optic window incorporating a discrete photovoltaic devic does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Electro-optic window incorporating a discrete photovoltaic devic, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Electro-optic window incorporating a discrete photovoltaic devic will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1288212